The Ocean State Theatre Company, resident producers at the historic Theatre By the Sea in Matunuck, is extending the season for the first time with the non-musical since taking over the Theatre in 2007.

“The 39 Steps” is based on Alfred Hitchcock's 1935 movie of the same name but far from suspenseful, it is a laugh out loud comedy that parodies the movie and pays homage to many of the other movies in Hitchcock's repertoire. At times slapstick, vaudeville and over the top scenery chewing, this production is a fascinating study in physical acting. The cast of four actors play over 150 characters from the original movie with dummies standing in for them at times. The actors work hard throughout the show and have the extra work of moving the props and scenery on and off the stage.

The main character Richard Hannay is the classic innocent of Hitchcock movies, caught up in a web of intrigue not of his making. Played by New York-based actor Fred Rose, Hanny is a bit of a bored wealthy man whose life is enlivened by the mystery.

Rose gets off easy despite being in every scene, having to play only the one character. Jennifer Byrne plays a trio of female roles (but not the only females in the play). Her spy Anabella Schmidt is the femme fatale that gets Hannay drawn into the problem. She deliciously channels a Natasha Fatale accent (Rocky & Bullwinkle) before she is mudered in Hannay's apartment. That puts him on the run to avoid the same fate, as he tries to stop a state secret from being brought out of the country. She also plays a woman on the train and a Scottish farmer's wife.

The two “clowns” that make up the rest of the characters are amazing to watch. In one scene at the railroad station, they each play three different characters with different accents accomplished by spinning around and juggling hats. Jason Parrish (Clown 1) will at various times make you think of Oliver Hardy, Jonathan Winters and even Dana Carvey. Brandon Roberts (Clown 2) will bring to mind Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd. They are both exceptionally gifted comedic actors and because this play lets the audience in on the joke, you will enjoy the smirks and winks that they give you.

The play follows the movie script for the most part, but pads some scenes and uses low-tech special effects to convey action in others. The actors flap their coats during a chase scene to convey wind. There is a bare bones industrial look set designed by Ray Recht that has break out props of ladders and steamer trunks that double as bridges and railroad train cars for this 1930's England and Scotland based script.

The props don't always make it on or off stage in an efficient manner but that is part of the fun. There are also references throughout to other Hitchcock films including Vertigo, North by Northwest, Pyscho and The Birds.

If you like broad, slap stick humor and extreme overacting then this funny romp is for you. Alfred Hitchcock even makes his traditional cameo. The strong cast will impress you with their skills.

"39 Steps" only plays through September 18^th so if you are looking for a laugh and a fun transition into Fall get your tickets online or by calling the box office at 401-782-TKTS(8587) . There are afternoon shows on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.